If you frequently service your trusted set of wheels, you need the best brake accessories as well as bike brake fluid and pins to keep things running smoothly.

Choosing the right bike brake fluid

The most commonly used brake fluid in the automotive industry, is DOT fluid. With the exception of DOT5, DOT fluids are made up of a poly-glycol base.

Glycol-based fluids consist of a mixture of ingredients that can be broken down into four key components:

• A lubricant, such as polythene or polypropylene making up 20 – 40% of the fluid, to keep parts moving freely.
• A solvent diluent, usually glycol ether, which accounts for 50-80% of the fluid and determines the fluid’s boiling point and viscosity.
• A modifier-coupler that changes the amount of swelling of exposed rubber parts.
• Inhibitors that prevent corrosion and oxidisation.

DOT brake fluid needs to meet strict standards and specifications set out by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Department of Transportation (DOT). These standards focus on maintaining brake fluid performance in a range of temperatures (high and low) and also specify the minimum boiling temperatures which the fluid manufacturers must adhere to.

The difference between DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5 brake fluid

Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid s used to transfer force from a brake pedal or brake lever to the brake calliper or wheel cylinder, converting it to pressure. Brakes convert kinetic energy into heat, and that’s where the brake fluid ratings matter.

The DOT ratings for brake fluid represent their boiling points when dry or wet. The glycol in brake fluid attracts water and it is normal for brake fluid to absorb a certain level of moisture over time. For this reason, brake fluid ratings include a “wet” boiling point number along with a “dry” boiling point number.

A DOT3 (205°C dry/140°C wet) or DOT4 (230°C dry/155°C wet) fluid is commonly used and is considered a higher performance fluid, as it can handle more heat. While both fluids are glycol ether based, DOT4 contains a certain amount of borate ester which allows it to handle more heat.

DOT5 is a silicone-based brake fluid developed for use where moisture is an almost certain factor in the braking system, such as military applications. While DOT5 has a higher boiling point (260°C dry/180°C wet), it exhibits more compressibility than glycol ether brake fluid. There’s no need to consider using DOT5 for on-road use.

Find the brake accessories you need

Browse Enduroshop’s great selection of brake accessories to ensure you find exactly what you need. Chat to us if you need more advice.